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International Living Magazine

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When you travel to Brazil you will without a doubt be traveling to one of the world’s most fascinating countries. And one of the most enjoyable aspects of your quest to find a life for yourself in Brazil will be your exploration of all of its alternative locations and lifestyles.

Remember your visa when you travel to Brazil

U.S. and Canadian citizens require a visa to enter Brazil, even as a tourist. The visa is normally granted for unlimited entries and exits, over a 10-year period. You can get the visa directly from a Brazilian consulate, or if that’s not convenient, from an agent who specializes in this process.

Your maximum stay time is 180 days in any 12-month period.

A good Portuguese phrase book

This is absolutely essential when you’re traveling in Brazil. A good one is Lonely Planet’s Brazilian Portuguese Phrasebook, available at Amazon.com for less than $10.

Getting to Brazil

You’ll find that U.S. and Canadian flight service is pretty good to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, and from there you can connect to most anywhere.

You can also fly to Recife and Salvador from the U.S., but with fewer options.

If you’re going to Natal or Fortaleza, your best bet is to get a national connection in Salvador, or connect in São Paulo. From Europe, you can fly with TAP Portugal, which runs nonstops to Recife, Natal, and Fortaleza.

Where to go when you travel in Brazil: The Northeast

Sometimes overshadowed by the large state of Bahia to the south, Alagoas is often overlooked as a travel destination. But those “in the know” will appreciate it for its vast stretches of palm-fronted coastline, isolated white-sand beaches, and emerald-green waters.

Recife has one of Brazil’s best infrastructures for travelers and businessmen. Its convenient international airport has direct flights to both the U.S. and Europe, making getting there a breeze compared to some Northeast destinations.

Olinda’s small, winding, cobblestone streets, great restaurants, fantastic views, old Portuguese churches, and colonial architecture provided a nice contrast to the beach scene. Green and leafy, it’s extremely popular among Brazilian travelers as well as international visitors.

Travelers and residents in Natal enjoy more than 300 days of sunshine, and the city claims to have the cleanest air in South America. Many people come here for their health. It’s also known far and wide for its nightlife, which is the main draw for many a foreigner and Brazilian alike. Natal has a huge, off-season Carnaval called “Carnatal”, which usually takes place in early December.

In João Pessoa, take some time to enjoy the laid-back feel of the beach areas of Tambaú and Cabo Branco, with their boardwalk, beaches, and good restaurants. The pastries at the French boulangerie will be a nice variation from the city’s Brazilian fare.

In Fortaleza, make sure you set some time aside to see the colorful historic center and visit the central market. The nicest beach in town is Praia do Furturo, on the southern edge of Fortaleza.